Omnitel’s LTE network reaches 40% of Lithuanians

Omnitel, Lithuania’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, has revealed that its 4G LTE network now covers 40% of the population. The TeliaSonera-owned company launched commercial LTE mobile broadband services in the 1800MHz frequency band in the downtown areas of Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys in April 2011, notes TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database. Since then, the network has been expanded to the coastal resort towns of Palanga and Nida in July 2012, Svencionys, Svencioneliai, Moletu, Jonava and Sirvintos in November 2013, Elektrenai, Kaisiadorys, Silale, Kryzioku, Balsiu, Pavilnio and Lentvaris the following month, and now Jurbarke, Taurageje, Sakiuose, Kybartuose and Pilviskiuose. Omnitel plans to increase 4G coverage to around 50% of Lithuanians in 2014, using 800MHz spectrum acquired at auction in October 2013 for a total of LTL5.1 million (USD1.9 million).